If you’re looking for a dish that’s as refreshing as it is satisfying, Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad is about to become your new go-to. Imagine juicy shrimp tossed with crisp cucumber, fragrant dill, and a tangy, velvety dressing—each bite is a burst of cool, creamy flavor with just the right touch of brightness. Whether you’re serving it for lunch, as a light dinner, or alongside your favorite summer spread, this salad is a true celebration of fresh ingredients and simple preparation.

Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

This salad comes together with just a handful of everyday ingredients, but each one plays a vital role in building layers of taste, texture, and color. With every addition, you’ll notice how they harmonize to create a dish that’s both creamy and delightfully crisp.

Shrimp: Use 1 pound of cooked, peeled, and deveined shrimp—small or medium size works best for easy bites and even flavor distribution.
Cucumber: One large cucumber, thinly sliced, adds a juicy crunch that’s absolutely essential for freshness.
Red Onion: A quarter of a red onion, thinly sliced, gives a gentle zing and a pop of color.
Fresh Dill: 1/4 cup chopped dill infuses every bite with herby brightness and that classic, summery aroma.
Sour Cream or Greek Yogurt: 1/2 cup forms the creamy base—choose Greek yogurt for a protein boost or sour cream for extra tang.
Mayonnaise: Two tablespoons add luscious richness and help the dressing cling to every ingredient.
Lemon Juice: Just 1 tablespoon lifts the flavors and keeps the salad tasting light and lively.
Dijon Mustard: A teaspoon brings subtle heat and complexity to the creamy dressing.
Garlic Powder: Half a teaspoon adds mellow savory notes without overpowering the salad.
Salt and Black Pepper: Season to taste—these finishing touches make all the flavors pop.

How to Make Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad

Step 1: Whisk Up the Creamy Dressing

In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), mayonnaise, freshly squeezed lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, a pinch of salt, and a generous crack of black pepper. Whisk everything together until the mixture is smooth, creamy, and beautifully blended. This is the foundation of the Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad, so don’t be shy about tasting and adjusting the seasoning to your liking.

Step 2: Add the Shrimp, Veggies, and Dill

Once your dressing is ready, add the chilled shrimp, sliced cucumber, thinly sliced red onion, and chopped fresh dill directly into the bowl. Gently toss everything together with a spatula or large spoon, ensuring every piece gets coated in that dreamy, tangy dressing. Take a moment to appreciate all the vibrant colors—this salad is as pretty as it is delicious!

Step 3: Chill and Let the Flavors Mingle

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a tight-fitting lid and pop it in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. This little bit of patience is totally worth it—the extra chill time lets all the flavors meld together, turning a quick toss into a truly harmonious Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad.

Step 4: Serve and Enjoy

When you’re ready to serve, give the salad a gentle stir and taste one last time for seasoning. Spoon it into bowls, onto plates, or even over a bed of greens. Enjoy immediately for the freshest, most vibrant bite!

How to Serve Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad

Garnishes

For that final flourish, sprinkle a bit more fresh dill on top and maybe a few thinly sliced cucumber rounds for extra crunch. A wedge of lemon on the side never hurts, and if you’re feeling fancy, a dusting of smoked paprika can add a pop of color and a whisper of smoky flavor.

Side Dishes

This Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad pairs beautifully with crusty bread, pita chips, or a simple side of quinoa. For a heartier meal, serve it alongside grilled corn, a light soup, or a platter of fresh fruit. The salad’s creamy tang is the perfect match for just about any summer side you love.

Creative Ways to Present

Transform your Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad into elegant appetizers by spooning it into lettuce cups or serving it atop cucumber rounds for a bite-sized treat. You can also pile it onto toasted baguette slices for easy entertaining, or tuck it into a pita pocket for a light and portable lunch.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with extra salad, simply cover it tightly and keep it in the refrigerator for up to two days. The flavors will continue to meld, but do note that the cucumber may release a bit of water. Just give the salad a gentle stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.

Freezing

Because this salad is dairy-based and full of fresh vegetables, freezing isn’t recommended. The creamy dressing can separate and the cucumber will lose its crispness after thawing, so it’s best enjoyed fresh from the fridge.

Reheating

Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad is meant to be served cold, so reheating isn’t necessary. In fact, letting it sit at room temperature for a few minutes before serving is all you need to bring out the best flavors and textures.

FAQs

Can I use frozen shrimp for this recipe?

Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw and pat the shrimp dry before adding to the salad. Pre-cooked frozen shrimp works well and makes this dish even more convenient.

What can I use instead of dill?

If you’re not a dill fan, try substituting with fresh parsley, chives, or even a touch of tarragon. Each herb will bring its own unique character to the salad.

Is Greek yogurt or sour cream better for the dressing?

Both options are delicious! Greek yogurt adds a little extra tang and protein, while sour cream gives a richer, more classic creamy flavor. Use whichever you prefer or have on hand.

How do I prevent the salad from getting watery?

Patting the cucumber slices dry with a paper towel before adding them to the salad helps keep excess moisture at bay. Also, serving the salad soon after chilling ensures the best texture.

Can I make Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare the salad a few hours in advance and keep it chilled in the fridge. This actually allows the flavors to meld beautifully—just give it a gentle toss before serving.

Final Thoughts

If you’re craving something cool, creamy, and full of fresh flavor, Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad truly delivers. It’s the kind of dish you’ll turn to all summer long and happily share with family and friends. Give it a try and see just how easy, delicious, and versatile this salad can be!

Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad Recipe

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4.9 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes plus 30 minutes chilling
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Non-Vegetarian

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Description

This Creamy Cucumber Shrimp Salad is a refreshing and delicious no-cook dish perfect for warm days or as a light lunch. Featuring tender cooked shrimp tossed with crisp cucumber, red onion, and fresh dill, all coated in a tangy and creamy dressing made from sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard. It’s easy to prepare, gluten-free, and offers a delightful balance of flavors and textures.

Ingredients

Scale

Seafood

1 pound cooked shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chilled

Vegetables and Herbs

1 large cucumber, thinly sliced
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
1/4 cup chopped fresh dill

Dressing

1/2 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
2 tablespoons mayonnaise
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Prepare the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, combine the sour cream (or Greek yogurt), mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Whisk thoroughly until the dressing is smooth and creamy.
Add the Ingredients: To the bowl, add the cooked shrimp, sliced cucumber, red onion, and chopped dill. Gently toss all ingredients together to ensure everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes. This chilling step helps the flavors meld beautifully.
Serve: Serve the salad cold, either on its own as a light lunch, as a side dish, or over a bed of fresh greens for extra crunch and color.

Notes

Use small or medium shrimp for easier and more enjoyable bites.
Pat the cucumber slices dry with a paper towel to prevent the salad from becoming watery.
This salad is best enjoyed fresh but can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: No-Cook
Cuisine: American